Kiyoshi Lamirande of Osawatomie qualified for the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships last year in Akron, Ohio. He is seated on his mom Hitomi’s lap, and flanked by Hitomi’s father John (left) and husband Justin (right), who make up the other members of Team Lamirande. Hitomi is bringing the sport to Osawatomie on June 1 with the inaugural Tornado Alley Rally.

Tornado Alley Rally set for June 1

Kiyoshi Lamirande of Osawatomie qualified for the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships last year in Akron, Ohio. He is seated on his mom Hitomi’s lap, and flanked by Hitomi’s father John (left) and husband Justin (right), who make up the other members of Team Lamirande. Hitomi is bringing the sport to Osawatomie on June 1 with the inaugural Tornado Alley Rally.

OSAWATOMIE — The community will host its inaugural Soap Box Derby race Saturday, June 1.

The Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Kansas City Soap Box Derby and the city of Osawatomie, will host Tornado Alley Rally. The race will take place on Main Street, starting at 12th Street and rolling down the incline to 10th Street.

Hitomi Lamirande, the chamber’s executive director, said the all-day event is one of the first sanctioned races of the season and should attract some experienced drivers, who will put their skills to the test against some local youth, many of whom will be racing for the first time.

Hitomi said the public is invited to bring out their lawn chairs and set up along the race route on Main Street to witness “the only Soap Box race in the state of Kansas.”

The competition is expected to begin about 9: 15 a.m. Double and single elimination racing will continue throughout the day. An awards ceremony is planned for 5 p.m., though it could take place later, Hitomi said, depending on when the races wrap up.

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